As we enter the holiday season, our minds often turn towards gifts. Some gifts are tangible, some are flashy, some are small, and some we may take for granted. One gift that many might take for granted is that of speech. I’ll admit that I too have been guilty of under appreciating speech.
A recent experience that helped me realize firsthand what a gift speech is was my participation in the Orange Effect Foundation’s 12 hours of Silence fundraiser. For those who may not be familiar with this event, it is a fundraiser where participants ask for donations in return for the participant’s pledge to remain silent for 12 straight hours. I have to admit that I found it VERY difficult to remain quiet for 12 hours. Especially when trying to manage dogs (who mainly respond to verbal commands), field questions from family (who kept forgetting my endeavor), and watch an exciting football game without my “expert commentary.”
In the end, I managed my best to complete the challenge. However, I sure do have a deeper respect for the families whom the Orange Effect serves; they do not have the luxury of having their child’s speech magically returned after 12 hours, as I did.
